Back to School
SafeCampus
Career Development
Combined Fund Drive
WorkLife
Saving & Investing
Preparing to Retire
Money Matters
Wellness
Home Loan Program
Community

Published: August 14, 2013

Compensation at the University of Washington goes beyond salary. The UW offers a vast range of benefits—from the traditional to those offered by other premier employers to those that are truly unique to working at the UW. The Resource—UWHR's e-newsletter—keeps you informed of all of these offerings so that you can make the most out of your UW employment.

Back to School

Back-to-School or College Readiness
Get your kids ready for school or off to college by taking full advantage of your health plan coverage for preventive care visits, sports physicals, and immunizations. Learn more about what care is included.

Also, check the CDC Immunization Guide to make sure all immunizations are up to date. These services are likely covered under your health plan once the necessary deductions and co-payments are satisfied. For further details on your benefits and exclusions, contact your plan.

SafeCampus

SafeCampus Training, Last One This Summer!
Take advantage of the last SafeCampus training during summer quarter! Preventing violence is a responsibility we all share. Learn to recognize concerning behaviors and how to respond in order to prevent violence in a free 50-minute training session. Open to students, faculty, and staff. Thursday, August 29, at 11:30 a.m. in Savery Hall 264. Register at www.uw.edu/safecampus.

If You See Something, Say Something
If you see something suspicious, please call 911—whether it’s a suspicious, unattended backpack, or someone trying doorknobs in your building.
If you call from a campus phone, you’ll reach a University of Washington Police Department (UWPD) 911 dispatcher. If you call on a cell phone, you may reach a Seattle Police or State Patrol 911 operator. If that happens and the issue is occurring on the UW campus, request to be transferred to the UWPD 911 center. This will get your call quickly routed to the UWPD so they can respond ASAP.

The UWPD encourages staff and faculty to call about suspicious persons or activity—it helps prevent crime and helps catch criminals. Take an active role!

Career Development

Professional & Organizational Development (POD) courses are open to all UW employees, subject to supervisor/budgetary approval and UW’s release time policy. Please view our policy page.

“The Times They Are a-Changin”
Bob Dylan proclaimed it in 1964, and since then, the times keep changing—and changing and changing—at an exponential pace. The best way to adapt to change is to adopt a better approach to responding to change. This one-day workshop employs an assessment to determine your change style, explores effective and ineffective reactions to change, and provides strategies for dealing with change. Register for Navigating Change in a Complex World.

Become a Problem-Solver
Would you rather fix a mistake or improve a system? Fight a fire or prevent one? Through a simplified approach to “lean” process improvement, this robust one-day workshop aims to help you eliminate waste, focus on value-added tasks, solve recurring problems, and improve faulty processes. Register for Rapid Process Improvement.

September Mornings are Made for POD Webinars
POD Webinars offer short sessions that can easily fit into your day. Upcoming topics focus on productivity, effective meetings, and basic and advanced Excel skills, and these dynamic live webinars include advance distribution of the slides beforehand and a link to a recording afterward. Register now to gear up for the academic year! Register now for POD Webinars.

Turn Your Career Goals Into Accomplishments
Whether you’re trying to set career goals or finally achieve them, one-on-one career counseling can provide direction, focus, and momentum. Training and Organizational Development Consultant Susan Templeton offers a variety of tools and strategies for evaluating your strengths, assessing your career fit, exploring your career path, and planning for career success. Sessions are $95 per one-hour session if paid with a UW budget number (with supervisor approval) or $109.82 if paid with cash, check, or credit card (due to a mandatory institutional overhead fee). Learn more about career counseling.

Combined Fund Drive

Save the Date! Charity Fair & Silent Auction Set for October 16
Kick off the 2013 UW Combined Fund Drive, our workplace giving campaign, by attending the UWCFD Charity Fair & Silent Auction on Wednesday, October 16, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the beautiful HUB Ballroom! All UW faculty, staff, and students are welcome to attend this free event.

Visit with more than 80 charitable nonprofits that benefit from the UW Combined Fund Drive and learn how you can show your support. Make sure you visit the silent auction benefiting the Northwest Burn Foundation. Bid on items for hotel stays, John Howie restaurant certificates, wine tastings, ACT Theatre tickets, and Microsoft Kinect, to name a few. Enter to win door prizes and enjoy refreshments as you stroll the aisles. See you there!

WorkLife

When the Heat is On: Summertime Conflict Resolution Tips
Who doesn’t love summer? The very word can evoke fond memories of family reunions, barbecues, kids home from school, and road trips. While this is a time for creating lasting bonds, all that togetherness can spell family conflict. It’s important to learn healthy ways to handle it. One approach is to collaborate on a solution that satisfies everyone involved. UW CareLink covers the four-step process for collaborative problem-solving, as well as other helpful tips, in this month’s Conflict Resolution Tip Sheet.

Nobody Likes a Bully: Bullying in the Workplace Webinar
The workplace may also be rife with opportunities for you to practice your conflict resolution skills. On August 20, at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. PST, UW CareLink will broadcast this one-hour webinar. Learn how to identify hostility in the workplace and how to handle the bullies behind it. Pre-register at least one hour before the presentation by visiting apshelplink.com (use “UW” as the company code) and click the Online Seminars section. Select the presentation and then register for the session you are interested in attending.

If you need more in-depth help dealing with episodes of conflict in your life, UW CareLink offers free, confidential counseling services to all UW employees, family, and household members. For more information or to set up a needs assessment, call 866-598-3978.

Elder Care: Checking In on Loved Ones
Are you concerned with an older loved one’s recent changes in behavior? UW CareLink offers these warning signs that assistance may be needed:

Are they having difficulty with basic activities, like eating? A visit to the doctor or dentist may be in order.

Are piles of paper and unopened mail mounting? Unpaid bills may lead to interruption in service.

What's in the medicine cabinet? Your older loved ones should be clear on what they’re taking and why.

Check out their behavior. Are phone calls unreturned? Forgetfulness is a clear warning sign.

Are they getting lost walking or driving? Transportation may need reassessing.

UW CareLink provides free elder care consultation and referral services for UW employees and their family members. To access the full array of resources by phone, call 866-598-3978. You may also use the LiveConnect instant messaging tool through the APS HelpLink portal by logging on to apshelplink.com (enter "UW" as the company code). Look for the LiveConnect button in the upper right corner of the home page to connect with a consultant specializing in elder care referral services.

Saving & Investing

Multi-Goal Planning Workshops
Get smart on evaluating your investment portfolio, build a tax-smart investing strategy that extends beyond your workplace savings plan, and budget and save for other non-retirement goals. Join Fidelity Investments at one or both of these free multi-goal planning workshops:

Part 1 - Confident Investing in Any Market

In this workshop beginning on September 10 at Health Sciences, you will learn how to:

Evaluate if you have the right mix of investments

Assess factors that impact portfolio performance

Identify different investments to help reduce taxes

Part 2 - Designing Your Financial Roadmap

In this workshop on September 19 at Health Sciences, you will learn how to:

Design a financial roadmap to help you achieve your savings goals

Establish a budget and manage debt

Balance and prioritize other nonretirement goals such as college planning

Building a Portfolio for Any Weather
Aim to make better investment decisions by building your own tailored portfolio. By understanding a few key investment principles, you can get more out of your retirement savings. Join Fidelity Investments at this free workshop where you will learn how to:

Getting on the Right Path with Your Workplace Savings Plan
Are you on track to meet your retirement goals? How can you maximize your savings opportunities? Whether or not you are already enrolled in your workplace savings plan, now is a great time to take a closer look at the benefits your plan has to offer. Join Fidelity Investments at this free workshop where you will learn how to:

Balance your spending, saving, and debt

Set goals and develop a plan to reach them

Estimate how much to save for retirement and set your contribution rate

Free One-on-One Consultations
How many things in life are free? Well, here's one for UW employees. Whether your retirement is years away or just around the corner, you can schedule a free, one-on-one consultation with a Fidelity Consultant in a way that works best for you. Or, if you prefer, you can schedule an appointment with TIAA-CREF representative. Get started today!

Quarterly Market Update for Active Investors
Have recent changes in the financial markets impacted your investment strategy? Do you enjoy keeping a pulse on the market? Join us for an exclusive look at what's driving the economy, the financial markets, domestic and international stock performance, and bond market interest rates. Attend a free Quarterly Market Update on October 31 at Health Sciences, room T-639. Presented by Fidelity Investments.
Access event information and registration.

Preparing to Retire

Optional Tax-Deferred Retirement Savings

Maximize your savings and defer taxes until retirement! In addition to your traditional, mandatory retirement savings program, did you know that you also have the option to sock away more savings through one or both of the following programs, even within the same tax year?

The Voluntary Investment Program (VIP) is a tax-deferred optional retirement savings plan, operating under Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). This program has two advantages: your contributions are deducted from your gross salary before taxes are calculated and your earnings grow tax-deferred until you take a distribution. Learn about the VIP.

The Washington State Deferred Compensation Program (WSDCP) is a retirement savings program operating under Section 457(b) of the IRC. This income deferral program reduces current taxable income and allows deferred income to grow untaxed until retirement. Learn about the WSDCP.

Ready to Retire?
If you’re thinking of retiring within the next 12 months, consider attending a retirement workshop to prepare a sound strategy for yourself. The following workshops are free and based on your current retirement plan and/or eligibility.

Retiring from UW Retirement Plan (UWRP) is offered August 14 and September 11

Retiring from Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) is offered August 22, September 10 and 26

Remember, you must apply for PEBB retiree benefits (or deferral of your insurance) within 60 days after UW-paid or COBRA coverage ends. If you miss that deadline, you will have to go back to work to re-qualify for PEBB retiree coverage.

SECU and WSECU also offer the following free educational seminars on sound money management practices.

Scams, Shams & Identity Theft - Identity theft is a continual threat that catches people unaware. This workshop explains how identity theft happens and shows how to protect yourself. For those already affected by fraud or identity theft, find out how to make a full recovery and restore your good name. Offered August 29 at Harborview Medical Center.

Credit Reporting 101 - Worried if your credit is good enough to refinance your home, or get that RV, boat, or new car? Learn how the credit bureaus develop your credit score and familiarize yourself in what affects your credit, why your scores may differ, and ordering a free report. Offered September 10 at South Lake Union.

Financial Yoga: Stretching Your Hard-Earned Dollars - Stretching a paycheck is more important than ever. Learn tips that will help you gain control of your finances and reduce financial stress. Offered September 27 at the UW Tower.

BALANCE Can Help
In a world with so many financial obligations and options, it’s no wonder money management often seems overwhelming. That’s why the UW and our local credit unions have partnered with a financial fitness program called BALANCE. Through this partnership, you have access to free and confidential financial counseling services to help you get out of debt, design a money management plan, and achieve your financial goals. Learn more and/or download informational flyer.

Wellness

UW Tower Weight Watchers Group Has Launched
Get inspired! Start a healthier lifestyle with the Weight Watchers program and learn effective strategies for losing weight. The new group meets Wednesdays at the UW Tower from 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Save the Date: Campus Flu Shot Clinics
Get a flu shot! Take advantage of your Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) medical plan and get immunized before this year’s flu season. Attend one of several convenient campus locations starting September 17 at Bagley Hall. No appointment is necessary. Bring your photo ID, your health insurance card, and a completed claim form so we can bill your UW plan at no cost to you. View the entire flu shot schedule here.

Own Your Health: What Can a Primary Care Provider Do for You?
Did you know that having a primary care provider can help you live healthier, live longer, and save money? The Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program - the source of your employee benefits - is teaming up with the Puget Sound Health Alliance to present a new campaign called Own Your Health. It’s all about helping PEBB members get the most out of their health care, and finding a primary care provider is a first step. Learn more about what a primary care provider can do for you.

Campus MammoVan & Mobile Mammography Service
UW has partnered with Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) to bring you the MammoVan, a mobile mammography service. The MammoVan is scheduled to visit convenient campus locations on a regular basis, making it easier for you to get your mammogram during your workday. Appointments typically last about 15 minutes. The MammoVan will pull up to the UW Tower on September 24 and 25.
Learn more or schedule an appointment.

Did you know that your UW medical plan provides additional discounts on health and wellness products and services? Learn more at Medical Plan Discounts Programs.

Home Loan Program

Homeownership Brown Bag Seminars
Our Hometown Home Loan Program offers the following lunchtime seminars, each free of charge and open to all UW faculty and staff:

Buying a Home - Before you buy a new home, be sure you understand the mortgage application process—starting with pre-qualifications all the way through home inspections and appraisals. Offered at the UW Tower on August 20.

Sell Your Home in Today’s Market - Once your home is shipshape, you’ll want to assemble your sales team and learn pricing strategies, determine which fixes you should make, and what special tricks make a great first impression to potential buyers. Offered at UW Bothell on August 22.

Refinancing & Using Home Equity - When is the right time to refinance? Learn the advantages of using cash from your home, how to consolidate or avoid consumer debt, and how to distinguish the difference between a home equity loan and line of credit. Offered at UW Tower on September 17 or at Health Sciences on September 19.

Homeownership Counseling
Thinking of buying or refinancing a home but not sure how to get started? Why not schedule a personal homeownership counseling session with an Affinity Loan Officer who can walk you through the process? These 30-minute, one-on-one sessions are free, private, and informative. Your spouse, partner, or potential co-signer is welcome to attend with you. Access seminar information and registration.

Community

Changing the Way UW Works
What do USA Today, the movie “E.T.,” and the Commodore 64 computer have in common? All were launched in 1982—the same year UW implemented its current payroll system, the Higher Education Payroll Personnel System (HEPPS). While technology has changed dramatically in the last 30 years—think smartphones and energy-efficient appliances—the technology supporting UW's payroll system has not. In addition, there’s no enterprise-wide system to capture human resources information. As a result, the UW struggles to answer basic questions about its workforce, such as how many people were hired last year.

Take a Break
Do you want to be part of a community and make Seattle a more active and better place to live? Are you sitting too much and want to be more active? Seattle’s Walk Bike Ride (WBR) Challenge inspires you to convert any 24 drive—alone car trips to walking, biking, carpooling, vanpooling, or riding transit—starting now through September 9.

In return for reporting these trips, you get the chance to win great prizes such as:

A brand new bike and helmet from Gregg’s Cycles worth $800

$200 REI gift card

$150 Zipcar gift certificate

$100 Farmers Market gift certificate

Family pack tickets to the Woodland Park Zoo

Car2Go membership and driving time

This year, the WBR Challenge has partnered with Luum™, a new online platform that allows you to track your progress and engage with fellow Challengers. It’s easy to join the WBR Challenge. Just create an individual profile and specify the “UW Employees Team.” Plus, become eligible to win a $20 ORCA card by getting a friend or co-worker to join in the Challenge. So get active and get started today!

Take a Break
During the month of August take a walk to the Center for Urban Horticulture to view Burnscapes—paintings by Suze Woolf. Woolf’s work is a penetrating meditation on climate change and forest fires. Recent work from this series will be on exhibit in the Miller Library and is free to the public. Summer hours are noon - 8:00 p.m. Mondays; noon - 5:00 p.m. Tuesdays - Fridays. For more information, visit the Miller Library.